S.Africa Zuma probe finds alleged criminal activity

CAPE TOWN, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The long-awaited report into improper and unethical relations between President Jacob Zuma and the Indian Gupta family was released on Wednesday.

This came after Zuma withdrew an application at the High Court in Pretoria to stop the release of the report compiled by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.

The report provides evidence on how the Gupta family may have influenced appointment of cabinet ministers and several board directors at state-owned enterprises, including Eskom, Denel, South Africa Aiways (SAA) and Transnet.

Van Rooyen and Zwane were appointed in 2015 as a result of undue influence by the Guptas, according to the report.

Earlier on Wednesday, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that the report must be released to the public by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Guptas, along with Zuma, have came under fire after Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas and former Member of Parliament Vytjie Mentor said early this year that they were offered cabinet positions by the Guptas.

Madonsela had been expected to release the report on October 14, her last day in office, but it was put under lock and key in Parliament after Zuma indicated his intention to apply for the interdict.

Madonsela has recommended that Zuma institutes a commission of inquiry into the findings of corruption in her "state capture" report.

She has further submitted notice to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to investigate those implicated of criminal wrongdoing.

In the report, Madonsela expresses concerns about the Gupta family's involvement in the removal of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene late last year.

Zuma sacked Nene on December 9, 2015 in a move that sent the rand crashing and markets tumbling.